TOULOUSE- The Asia-Pacific aviation market is set for one of the largest long-term fleet expansions worldwide, with Airbus projecting demand for 19,560 new aircraft through 2045. India and China are expected to account for a major share of future deliveries, reflecting rapid economic development and rising air connectivity across major cities.
The outlook was presented in Bangkok, where regional carriers such as Air India (AI) and IndiGo (6E) continue to scale operations to meet record passenger growth. Airbus noted that airlines in the region are consistently placing large orders as they expand their fleets and modernize older aircraft.
Airbus Asia Pacific Projections
Airbus projects that the Asia Pacific will require 19,560 aircraft over the next two decades, representing 46% of the global forecast for 42,520 new deliveries.
The company stated that this demand will be fueled by continued passenger growth, rising incomes, and expanded access to air travel.
According to Airbus, the region will need around 16,100 single-aisle aircraft, accounting for 47% of new global deliveries in that segment. This reflects the growing role of low-cost carriers and the expansion of domestic and short-haul international routes.
The manufacturer added that aircraft replacement and fleet growth are progressing in parallel as airlines optimize operations.
Airbus emphasized that sustained demand, combined with increasing operational efficiency and new route networks, is reshaping commercial aviation across Asia. The latest forecast was shared during the Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines Annual Assembly of Presidents.
Wide-Body Aircraft Market Outlook
The forecast also highlights the requirement for about 3,500 new wide-body jets, equivalent to 43% of global demand in larger aircraft categories. Airbus stated that next-generation wide-body models offer a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, supporting airline sustainability strategies.
These efficiency gains are expected to help reduce carbon emissions while enabling airlines to serve long-haul routes more effectively. Carriers in India, China, Australia, and Southeast Asia are driving a sizable portion of this demand.
Anand Stanley, Airbus Asia Pacific President, noted that the region is entering a significant growth phase supported by evolving market needs and expanding infrastructure.
Growth drivers
Airbus cited several key factors contributing to the region’s long-term expansion, including rising passenger traffic, network development, and increasing penetration of low-cost carriers.
These elements continue to stimulate demand for both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.
Asia Pacific is projected to see annual passenger traffic growth of 4.4%, which outpaces the global average of 3.6%. This steady rise ensures constant pressure on airlines to upgrade capacity.
The manufacturer said that nearly 68% of new deliveries will support fleet expansion, while the remaining 32% will replace aging aircraft as operators transition to more efficient models.
Bottom Line
Asia Pacific remains one of the most dynamic aviation markets, supported by strong demand in India and China and expanding air connectivity across the region.
Airbus’ latest 20-year outlook shows sustained momentum in both narrow-body and wide-body categories, driven by traffic growth, fleet renewal, and long-term investment in aviation infrastructure.
The region’s projected requirement for 19,560 new aircraft underscores its strategic importance to global air transport in the decades ahead.
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